Work is underway to develop program details for the new Dairy Innovation Fund program, which will award financial assistance through low interest loans and grants to eligible businesses engaged in projects that do one or more of the following:
- Expand or refurbish existing milk plants or establish a new milk plant.
- Expand or refurbish existing mobile dairy processing units or establish new mobile dairy processing units.
- Rent buildings, refrigeration facilities, freezer facilities or equipment necessary to expand dairy processing capacity, including mobile dairy or refrigeration units used exclusively for dairy processing.
- Incorporate methods and technologies that reduce farm labor associated with milk production and storage, including but not limited to the use of robotics and processes or systems that operate using computerized equipment or machinery.
According to the bill, priority will be given to eligible businesses whose proposed project will:
- Create new jobs.
- Create or expand opportunities for local small-scale milk producers to market pasteurized milk and milk products under private labels.
- Provide greater flexibility or convenience for local small-scale farmers to have milk processed.
- Reduce labor associated with the on-farm production and storage of milk.